Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
Serving the massage therapy community through practice support, ethical standards, legislative advocacy, and public education.
Information
Founded:
1987

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

 
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Does
accepting tips imply massage is a luxury treatment rather than a health care modality? Do some practitioners deserve it more than others? Does it depend on
the setting? Expect More, With Les. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/tip-or-no-tip

Source: www.abmp.com
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage Therapy bodywork massage therapy schools ABMP newsletter insurance massage therapy liability insurance information schools career.
Sherry Weldon
Sherry Weldon
A gratuity is an extension of gratitude based on how one feels after their appointment, how well the massage was performed, and if the level of service went beyond your initial expectations (hot towel on the back at the end of the session, did you listen to the client and work a few extra minutes on their neck, did you warm up your hands before ... Read Morethe session, and that extra blanket, etc.)
I've come to understand from my personal clients and patients at the chiropractic office, that the price set is based on the modality ie. swedish (basic work) or deep tissue/sports (therapeutic/recovery work), experience and knowledge needed to perform the modality (prenatal - specialty work), time to perform massage (50 min. vs 60 min.) and environment (spa vs medical office).
Once you've established the treatment price, we as therapists have the good fortune to provide massage therapy in a variety of locations, and therefore, whether at a spa (commission based usually) or medical office (per hour), a gratuity should not be expected under any circumstances, but graciously accepted as a thank you from the client or patient when you are given one. The facility also sets the tone and if the office says, no tips allowed, then you have to abide by their rules.
If you are working as a brand new therapist, and the base rate is not going to cover your expenses, and you RELY on gratuities, honestly, it's going to show in your work, and your attitude because there will be that session that you feel you worked your best, and the client/patient tipped low, and you are disappointed, making the outcome of the session about you and not about the client.
Thu at 9:50pm
Eddie D Griswold
Eddie D Griswold
Well, I'm a student and my very first client offered me a tip. I guess this is the accepted standard. I was a bit surprized, but I accepted it. A few days before I had a session with one of my teachers and I told her to forget about the change and when she indicated that she didn't accept tips, I smiled and said to "please donate the change to a... Read More worthy charity." She accepted the gift. I'm not sure why I am led to give, but I still have all the tips I have received and I plan on passing the blessing on to those in need. As a student with a family, this isn't a light decision, but my spirit knows this is the right direction. The great powers of the universe will sustain me and my loved ones... this is the magic and I am amazed every day of the power we all have access to. Wishing health and happiness to all. ;O}
Thu at 10:06pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) The State of the Massage Profession: A
sneak peak at what’s up with MTs, based on ABMP’s Member Survey. Expect More, With Les. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/who-we-are

Source: www.abmp.com
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage Therapy bodywork massage therapy schools ABMP newsletter insurance massage therapy liability insurance information schools career.
Debbie
Debbie
..and the answer is....
November 9 at 4:07pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Is the NCBTMB’s proposed
model for MT certification--or is that advanced certification?--the best path
for the profession? Expect More, With Les.http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/certifiable

Source: www.abmp.com
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage Therapy bodywork massage therapy schools ABMP newsletter insurance massage therapy liability insurance information schools career.
Scott Sawyer
Scott Sawyer
well been licensed since 1997 and have no reason to want or pay for a piece of paper.....massage is not rocket science! I would match my massage skills to any nationally certified colleague.
November 3 at 10:27am
Carl W. Brown
Carl W. Brown
I was hoping that the new MTBOK committee would develop a real standard of what it takes to do massage. The point of a BOK is to set a cohesive set of interrelated standards of what to takes so that we can develop cost effective training. The standard need to be correlated with actual performance in the field. It is like a check list where one ... Read Moreneed to achieve all of the skills to the designates level of performance. Unfortunately the first draft is just a shopping list of potential skills with not standards set and including things that are not essential to doing massage. I have set up a discussion with people of all different perspectives at http://www.massageprofessionals.com/group/bodyofknowledge
November 4 at 12:23pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Is Swedish massage dead? And, if so, who killed it? This feature article
in Nov/Dec Massage & Bodywork digital edition. Also: animal massage;
hydrotherapy; business plans. http://www.massageandbodywork.com

Source: www.massageandbodywork.com
Massage and Bodywork magazine, massage magazine, massage research, massage therapy magazine, bodywork magazine, massage journal, massage therapy journal
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) What do rock stars
and massage therapists have in common? Passion, the will to pursue that passion,
and an ABMP president who bridges the gap. Expect More, With Les. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/kick-out-the-jams

Source: www.abmp.com
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage Therapy bodywork massage therapy schools ABMP newsletter insurance massage therapy liability insurance information schools career.
Lisa A. Benson Shelter
Lisa A. Benson Shelter
Yep-that's why I am still in practice after 30 years!!! What a blessing to be able to do what I love and to still have the ability to help others yet be as passionate as I was when I started my career. Some are stuck in cubicles, hating their jobs- but I can honestly say- I love my job! My boss is pain in the piroformis though. LOLL
October 20 at 10:02pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Do your clients love you? How to obtain a personal connection with your clients while maintaining professional boundaries. Expect More, With Les. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/pearly-whites

October 7 at 12:57pm
Sandy Sandvik
Sandy Sandvik
Doing a 3rd trimester pregnancy massage, not worried, just anything I should consider beside, the ankles, calves, not alot of abdominal pressure......I've done quite a few, but, for some reason the other gal who doesn't do pre-natal is like all stressed about it.
October 14 at 11:24am
Renee Richardson
Renee Richardson
Sandy don't forget to stay away from the shoulder points and hand reflex that can cause labor to start.... Sounds like you really enjoy your work - congratulations! I love it too!
October 18 at 9:30pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Les Sweeney gets the band back together, and ABMP reaches a milestone. But has Elvis left the building? Expect More With Les. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/the-70s

September 25 at 8:59am
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Has the massage profession become a conglomerate? Les Sweeney takes a critical look at the players who make up the profession. Expect More With Les. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/keiretsu

September 18 at 2:36pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) A 15-year, then-and-now review of the massage profession, as seen through the eyes of Les Sweeney—then massage rookie, now ABMP president. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/long-strange-trip

September 8 at 8:18am
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Expect More, With Les: Dude! How do we get more men to get massage? Examining the issue and brainstorming some solutions. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/dude

Source: www.abmp.com
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage Therapy bodywork massage therapy schools ABMP newsletter insurance massage therapy liability insurance information schools career.
Wallace Delaney Robbins
Wallace Delaney Robbins
seated massage has shown to be a most effective way to introduce bodywork to male clients that have shown up in my experience... & the most recent continuing ed workshop that i attended, included the same number of male therapists, as female... the workshop was also conducted by a male therapist... if we enter the space to provide massage&bodywork ... Read Moreas therapists, first&foremost, acting from "source" consciousness & intent, without the illusory "separateness" concepts of he/she, us/them, etc., that we carry in our heads, much more space opens to allow clients & therapists to be with & "drop into the body" & reconcile with the events&conditions that we are experiencing in our bodies, thereby facilitating healing & improved function... consciousness & intent, informs->energy, informs->matter...
August 29 at 5:17am
Daniel
Daniel
Athletic men are more in tune with their bodies and understand the awesome advantage regular massage can have on muscular recovery from strenuous exercise. This doesn't have to be sold technically as "sports massage" but rather as overall conditioning, cellulite and stress reduction. What guy isn't overstressed & carrying around extra cellulite these days? You've got to give men a goal or tangible reason other than relaxation for spending 1 hour a week to lay on a table.
September 18 at 3:22pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Expect More, With Les: Do you have a cookie cutter clientele? A specific treatment routine? Should hairy clients pay more? Does a massage take too long? Travel-induced questions leave reason to ponder. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/ideas-on-the-run

August 19 at 1:34pm
Felicia Brown
Felicia Brown
#6 I probably spend 15-25% of my work hours on my massage clients. The rest of it is devoted to my consulting business - writing articles, developing classes, and eorking with clients. #8 Can't remember my tallest client ever but I did try to convince a very well know basketball player who went to UNC and later Chicago to let me give him a massage when he was in town for a BB clinic. Would have needed a table and a half for that one!
August 19 at 4:08pm
Rick Reddington
Rick Reddington
no cutters for me. people return to see you if youre good but you have to mix it up a bit to keep the excitment and every session there are usally something they need a little different. Give not only what they want but what they need as well
September 21 at 6:44am
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Expect More, With Les: Do you love your job? Your clients? And who is your boss, really? The answers to these questions can reveal your pathway to success. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/do-you-love-your-job

August 12 at 12:10pm
Cynthia L Hoff
Cynthia L Hoff
me, me, me,!
August 13 at 7:40am
Felicia Brown
Felicia Brown
I love my job, not just helping my own massage clients but also helping other therapists through training and education. My boss is the client who is paying me whether they are coming to me for massage or hiring me as a secret shopper to evaluate their staff members. However, I am the one who creates my own future and destiny.
August 19 at 4:11pm
Rick Reddington
Rick Reddington
Yes, I love my job, very rewarding. I run my business, but the public is my boss, so I have many bosses. I go the extra mile with everything I do for them. Find your thing that sets you apart, and sad to say its not hard, cause I find so many therapist that wont do things that cause them inconveinence swo needless to say they dont stay in the game long.
September 21 at 6:41am
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Expect More, With Les: Cash for Clunkers! What do massage therapists and car salesmen have in common? http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/cash-for-clunkers

Source: www.abmp.com
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage Therapy bodywork massage therapy schools ABMP newsletter insurance massage therapy liability insurance information schools career.
Tianna Painter
Tianna Painter
Very good article. And since I am still in school, it's nice to think about these things now. Although I have marketing material, I need to find the jargon to really sell myself.
August 5 at 4:30pm
Mieka Davis
Mieka Davis
I heard there was some computer scam with the cash for clunkers program,i.e. beware of loading info online if a dealer tells you to. If the dealer's not up with the program they can send your car back to you!
August 5 at 6:57pm
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Expect More, With Les: Exploring wide-open spaces, literally or figuratively, can help you find your center and keep you effective in your day-to-day work. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/in-a-big-country

Source: www.abmp.com
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage Therapy bodywork massage therapy schools ABMP newsletter insurance massage therapy liability insurance information schools career.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Do they like massage, or WANT to like massage? Les Sweeney blogs about the fine art of identifying potential clients to initiate success. http://www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog/do-they-like-massage-or-want-to-like-massage

July 22 at 1:11pm
Linda T Schneider
Linda T Schneider
I agree with Jim, once you have them on the chair most will want more..
July 22 at 3:59pm
Lianne
Lianne
Loved the article!
July 22 at 4:16pm